Arsenal star ‘close to a return’, could now feature earlier than expected v Liverpool

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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been injured for most of the season, and there was little optimism that he would be seen again before February.

The Ghana International is also set to feature at the African Cup of Nations, and was targeting a return to action against Liverpool in the FA Cup on January 7th, but could now return even earlier.

Arsenal are targeting a midfielder in the January transfer window, with Douglas Luiz a top target because of Partey’s injuries, and he will hope to play himself back into Mikel Arteta’s thinking.

Thomas Partey could return to action earlier than expected

A report from the Evening Standard has claimed that Partey is progressing well in his recovery from a thigh injury he sustained in October.

“While the target is the visit of Liverpool in early January, they could return sooner with Partey, in particular, close to a return,” the report stated about Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny.

“The midfielder did not take part in full training on Wednesday, but he is itching to get back.”

This therefore means that whilst he is unlikely to return in this weekend’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, he could target one of the games against West Ham or Fulham before the New Year.

Will Partey returning influence Arteta’s transfer plans?

Arteta is seemingly keen on adding a new midfielder to the squad, with Luiz coveted and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha also being touted as an option.

Although Partey has shown immense quality at times, particularly last season, his injury issues have been a persistent problem since his arrival in 2020, and Arteta can no longer rely on him in crucial parts of the season.

Declan Rice arrived this summer, and his magnificent performances have reduced Arsenal’s reliance on Partey at the base of midfield.

If one of Arteta and Edu Gaspar’s key midfield targets such as Luiz can be secured, then Arsenal should refrain from making the mistake of thinking that he will not pick up another injury before the end of the campaign.

Partey started the season playing at right-back, and given that Arsenal are now light at the back with Jurrien Timber and Tomiyasu injured, he could end up playing there again if a new midfielder does arrive to replace him.

Some reports indicated that Partey is keen on an exit in January, but this may be dependent on Arsenal bringing in a replacement.